anyone using K&N Air Filters?

[Quicksilver]

Are they really better than OEM?


http://www.knfilters.com/facts.htm

[Chris F.]

Originally Posted by Quicksilver

Are they really better than OEM?


http://www.knfilters.com/facts.htm

Not to stir up a big controversey, but there have been problems with K&N filters and Mass Air Flow sensors, particularly on BMWs. I know some folks say its because of over-oiling the filter (the filter is reusable by cleaning and re-oiling it) but I still wouldn't take the risk (have you priced a MAF sensor? If the dealer sees that you have a K&N they will void coverage for the MAF).

Just my $.02 but I would not do it. I'm sure others will disagree...

[PersonaNonGrata]

Originally Posted by Chris F.

Not to stir up a big controversey, but there have been problems with K&N filters and Mass Air Flow sensors, particularly on BMWs. I know some folks say its because of over-oiling the filter (the filter is reusable by cleaning and re-oiling it) but I still wouldn't take the risk (have you priced a MAF sensor? If the dealer sees that you have a K&N they will void coverage for the MAF).

Just my $.02 but I would not do it. I'm sure others will disagree...

I disagree with you for no other reason than to disagree.

I have heard the same thing and while I have used K&N's in other cars, including BMW's, I haven't bothered in the X5. I just don't see any benefit given the cost, the lack of any performance boost, and the potential MAF problems.

[JV]

Several who have the 4.4 in their 5 series Bimmers tell me while you might see numbers go up on the dyno, and up just marginally, a K&N filter doesn't equate to a boost in performance. The X has a damn fine stock intake system, IMHO. On the other hand, a K&N is reusable, and about $35 at your local auto parts store, but as Chris pointed out, the oiling of the filter is kinda suspect. Somewhere on the MB forum I once lurked on was a post about some maroon putting olive oil on the K&N on his 500 SEC. The result was a car-b-q as you might imagine.

[rayxi]

I run K&N on both my bimmers. As with anything, one should RTFM and use a little common sense and you shouldn't have any problems.

Don't expect any power gains with just the K&N filter. I noticed the engine revs a little easier (and louder) in my 330xi 5sp but the auto in the X5 masks any affect that might be there. I did notice a slight improvment in mileage on the X5 but I'm still breaking it in so it might not be attributed to the K&N at all.

I figure that I at least break even on the cost since they are reusable at least 3 times and filtering performance is as good if not better than stock.

[Tim W.]

I have had them in all my BMW's and my Porsche. The MAF issue is only a problem in over oiled filters. I have seen people soak them in oil. Use the oil sparingly and I have always wrapped the filet in newspaper overnight prior to install to get any excess off, just in case.

[sayegh_914]

have any1 heard of bmc air filters
this wat am using for my car

[twm67]

I've got one in my Jeep and I've noticed no major changes to the mileage or the power. However, the mileage has stayed a consistent 15-16mpg for 109,000 miles so far. Also - I kinda enjoy cleaning and re-oiling the filter every 40,000 miles and knowing I'll never have to buy a new filter for the Jeep every again.